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Grim Roos update: 'I will be surprised if he plays for the Stormers again'
By Rugby365
It was a case of when it rains it pours for the Stormers in Belfast on Friday.
It was a trip they would want to forget, as the United Rugby Championship (URC) title-holders suffered a 5-35 defeat to the Ulster in the Round 13 clash.
Already without their rested stars, the visitors were dealt multiple injury blows – with Evan Roos headlining the growing injury concerns.
The Springbok returned to the Stormers starting XV after a two-month lay-off due to a rib injury he sustained in November while on international duty.
Unfortunately for Capetonians, the 23-year-old’s return lasted just over 20 minutes as he limped off the field after a breakdown collision where he was croc-rolled out of the ruck by Springbok Duane Vermeulen, while Ulster flank Nick Timoney also joined the clean-out.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Stormers head coach John Dobson revealed that Roos’ season might be over.
“He [Roos] will be gone for a while, unfortunately,” Dobson said. “It was a horrible croc roll and he rolled out with a nasty injury. Not sure if it’s a knee ligament rupture of the groin.”
He added: “Evan is on crutches but I hope it does not affect his international aspirations.
“However I will be surprised if he plays for the Stormers again.”
Aside from Roos, the Stormers will be sweating over a couple of players.
Loose forward Junior Pokomela and fullback Clayton Blommetjies were late withdrawals from the starting XV.
The Capetonians then lost hooker JJ Kotze in the fourth minute after a head clash, while flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis left with a ‘substantial concussion’ the coach conceded.
“Junior developed headaches on Thursday, he was concussed so the doctors obviously ruled him out,” Dobson said.
“Blommetjies had some infection in his groin, and by Friday afternoon he could not walk.
“During the match, JJ had a concussion and then the substantial concussion to Jean-Luc.”
Despite the growing injury list, Dobson remains reluctant to sign some medical jokers as reinforcements.
“Our injury list is getting big right now,” Dobson said, adding: “But I don’t know enough at this point to talk about getting in reinforcements.
“The key thing for us was at lock that’s why we signed Ruben van Heerden.
“Neethling Fouche, Gary Porter, Deon Fourie and Hacjivah Dayimani will return next week.
“Manie Libbok and Paul De Wet are in Cape Town, while Seabelo Senatla is back this week so we don’t need any reinforcements.
“Hopefully we will be okay.”
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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